Tommi Pajala

Cognitive biases are errors and deviations from rationality that plague our thinking and behavior. If we want to make good, informed and rational judgments, we should avoid or negate biases. The simple fact that we make hundreds of decisions every day means that if we cannot do that, we have a problem.

My quest and also this blog is aimed at controlling our biases and helping each and every person make better decisions. So far, the study and discussion of biases has happened largely in the academic circles, but to create real changes and benefit human society, that is not enough. What is sorely needed is more widespread discussion. Biases need to be connected to the life and behavior of the average Joe. Also, the biases need to be explained in simple terms. As Einstein remarked, "if you can't explain it in simple terms, you don't understand it well enough".

On the other hand, simple terms do not mean that I wouldn't want to be exact or careful in my statements. I have a high respect for the research in the field, and definitely want to do justice to the different viewpoints available. If different approaches can help us to think better, they ought to be used. In this quest, we'll need all the help we can get.